Global Leaders to Gather in China for Summer Davos to Scale Innovation and Drive Growth
Held under the theme “Innovating at Scale”, the meeting will bring together more than 1,700 leaders from over 90 countries, spanning business, government, academia and innovation
DALIAN, 17 June 2026 – The World Economic Forum will convene the 17th Annual Meeting of the New Champions in Dalian, People’s Republic of China, from June 23-25, 2026.
Held under the theme “Innovating at Scale”, the meeting will bring together more than 1,700 leaders from over 90 countries, spanning business, government, academia and innovation, to examine the most pressing challenges and opportunities shaping a rapidly transforming global economy.
The meeting comes at a time of growing economic uncertainty. The International Monetary Fund recently revised down its global growth forecast to 3.1 per cent in 2026 from 3.4 per cent in 2025, citing escalating geopolitical risks. A modest recovery to 3.2 percent is projected in 2027, although trade fragmentation and tighter fiscal conditions continue to weigh on the outlook, particularly for emerging economies.
As geo-economic and geopolitical shifts reshape trade and supply chains, technological advances are creating fresh opportunities for long-term growth. Commonly known as Summer Davos, the meeting has become a major platform for innovation, technology and emerging markets.
This year’s gathering will spotlight Asia’s innovation ecosystem, bringing together entrepreneurs, investors and policymakers driving the region’s economic momentum. It will also amplify Chinese and broader Asian perspectives to encourage a more representative global dialogue on growth and innovation.
“The World Economic Forum has always brought leaders together to tackle the world’s biggest challenges through dialogue and collaboration,” said Alois Zwinggi, President and Chief Executive Officer of the World Economic Forum.
“At a time of economic uncertainty, geopolitical tension and rapid technological change, this meeting provides an opportunity to focus on practical solutions. Discussions will centre on growth, technology, jobs, energy and the future direction of the global economy, drawing on the Forum’s ongoing work and the latest global developments.”
Representing China’s host institutions, Gao Weiqi, Deputy Director-General of the Department of International Cooperation at the National Development and Reform Commission [NDRC], said China would continue supporting the event.
“As the leading coordinating and host agency for the World Economic Forum in China, the National Development and Reform Commission will actively support the successful staging of Summer Davos in China,” Gao said.
“This year marks the beginning of China’s 15th Five-Year Plan [2026–2030], which advances Chinese modernisation through high-quality development. The plan outlines comprehensive goals that will inject fresh momentum into the global economy. We welcome the international business community to participate actively in this process and share the opportunities generated by China’s development.”
Hosted by the People’s Republic of China, the meeting will convene more than 90 senior political leaders from 27 countries and regions.
Five key questions will shape discussions
The programme will focus on five major themes:
- How can prosperity be sustained amid shifting geo-economic and industrial realities?
As trade and industrial policy increasingly determine where investment flows and technologies scale, governments are playing a more active role in directing capital, setting standards and protecting strategic sectors. - What will define the next phase of China’s economic trajectory?
China’s focus on stability and the development of “new quality productive forces” is reshaping its industrial landscape and influencing global value chains. - How can technology unlock opportunity across industries and economies?
Despite record investment in artificial intelligence, quantum computing and biotechnology, productivity gains remain uneven, raising questions over regulation, industrial policy and adoption. - How can growth generate jobs and opportunities for future generations?
With an estimated 40% of global employment exposed to AI, leaders are expected to examine strategies for creating inclusive growth through education, infrastructure and entrepreneurship. - How can energy and climate priorities strengthen competitiveness?
As demand for cleaner and more secure energy systems accelerates, countries face increasing pressure to align innovation with economic resilience and sustainability.
“We are entering an era in which scaling innovation will require systemic transformation,” said Gim Huay Neo, Managing Director of the World Economic Forum.
“The Annual Meeting of the New Champions provides a platform at the intersection of entrepreneurship, innovation and next-generation growth. Progress will depend on partnerships between government, business and civil society.”
Mirek Dušek, Managing Director of the World Economic Forum, said innovators and businesses would play complementary roles in shaping future economic growth.
“Innovators are developing technologies and ideas that will shape the future, while businesses are essential to translating these advances into the real economy. Together, they can create jobs, strengthen competitiveness and unlock new sources of growth.”
More than 50 sessions will be livestreamed to the public, including discussions on employment, artificial intelligence, China’s development strategy, the Middle East and global economic trends.
The Forum will also publish new research during the meeting, including insights from initiatives such as the Energy Transition Index and the Top 10 Emerging Technologies report.
The event marks the 26th year of the Forum’s Technology Pioneers community and will introduce new engagement platforms involving investors, family businesses and senior chemical industry leaders.
Li Qiang, Mayor of Dalian Municipal People’s Government, said the city was prepared to host delegates from around the world.
“Twenty years of cooperation between Dalian and the World Economic Forum have strengthened both sides and delivered shared progress,” he said.
“Coinciding with the launch of the 15th Five-Year Plan, this year marks the ninth collaboration between Dalian and the Forum. Dalian stands ready to welcome guests from across the globe.”
About the Annual Meeting of the New Champions 2026
The 17th Annual Meeting of the New Champions will take place in Dalian, People’s Republic of China, from June 23-25, 2026 under the theme “Innovating at Scale”. More than 1,700 cross-sector leaders are expected to explore how innovation and emerging technologies can unlock new growth models and support economic momentum in an increasingly complex global environment.
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